Hudson Dispatch Community Notes

Union City will hold an Italian Flag-raising Ceremony commemorating Columbus Day tomorrow at noon at International Park located on the corner of Palisade Ave. and 38th St. The ceremony will include several invited guest speakers and the raising of the Italian flag. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. For more information call (201) 348-5746.

UNION CITY ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZENS COLUMBUS DAY LUNCHEON

Mayor Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners will be holding its Annual Senior Citizen Columbus Day Luncheon on Saturday at noon at the Union City High School Cafeteria, 2500 Kennedy Blvd. For more information, call the Office of Senior Affairs at (201) 348-5701.

DOCUMENTARY: CELEBRATING LIFE IN UNION

On Sunday, at the Restaurante Las Palmas, 6153 Bergenline Ave., West New York at 10 a.m., there will be a breakfast to raise funds for post-production of the documentary: Celebrating Life in Union. Celebrating Life in Union is a 90-minute documentary (in post-production) of human resilience, community and brotherhood. Suggested donation is $25. For more information (201) 222-2116, e-mail hbrproductions1@yahoo.com, or to view a trailer, visit www.celebratinglifeinunion.

EVERYDAY PARENTS CAN RAISE EXTRAORDINARY KIDS

On Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Redeemer Hoboken Church will sponsor Everyday Parents CAN Raise Extraordinary Kids from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mustard Seed School, 422 Willow Ave., Hoboken. For more information or to register visit www.redeemerhoboken.com. There is a $25 registration fee.

HOBOKEN DIGABLE ARTS FESTIVAL

On Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, the 2011 Digable Arts Festival will take place at the Monroe Center for the Arts, 720 Monroe St., Hoboken, from noon to 7 p.m. For more information visit www.digablearts.com.

SAINT PETER AND PAUL OKTOBERFEST

On Sunday, Oct. 16 from noon to 5 p.m. Saint Peter and Paul will be holding an Oktoberfest at 404 Hudson St., Hoboken between 4th and 5th St. Food vendors and live music will be on Hudson St. Beer garden will be in the church garden parking lot. For more information e-mail hobokenoktoberfest@gmail.com.

11TH ANNUAL ARTS, CRAFTS, GIFTS HOLIDAY BAZAAR

On Sunday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Galaxy Mall, 7000 Boulevard East, Guttenberg will have a Holiday Bazaar. The event is sponsored by the Social and Cultural Committee. For more information call (201) 854-1947.

OCTOBER ART EXHIBIT

The October art exhibit opening reception will be held at Union City Art Gallery at City Hall, 3715 Palisade Ave. on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. The art exhibit will feature artists Katherine Salguero and Edwin Villa. Refreshments will be served and admission to the event is free. For more information call Union City Office of Public Affairs at (201) 348-5746. The entire community is invited to attend the event.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

"Let’s Tie One More Ribbon for Breast Cancer" is an event in observance for breast cancer month. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave., Union City. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit information tables and receive educational materials, health professional speakers, free giveaways and certificates entitling eligible women to a free clinical breast exam, mammography, pelvic exam, pap test and colorectal exam. There will also be live music and entertainment as well as food and refreshments. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. For more information call (201) 348-5746.

SECAUCUS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OKTOBERFEST DINNER

The Secaucus Knights of Columbus Council 12769 will have an Oktoberfest Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church auditorium, 760 Post Place, Secaucus. Great German dishes, dessert and refreshments for just $30 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the church gift shop or by calling Robert at (201) 491-8058.

YOGA AT NORTH BERGEN LIBRARY

The North Bergen Public Library, at 8411 Bergenline Ave., is hosting free yoga classes on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for North Bergen and Guttenberg residents. Sign up at the Reference Desk. For more information, call (201) 869-4715, Ext. 3.

NEW JERSEY MEADOWLANDS COMMISSION EVENTS

All events take place at the Meadowlands Environment Center in DeKorte Park, home of the NJMC. Cost is $5, MEC members $4, except for "Marsh Moon Madness," which is $8, MEC members $6. To register online, and for more information about the programs, visit www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec. To request a schedule of events and to register by mail or in person, call (201) 460-8300.

Rosario & Her Stars will hold a Halloween Costume Party & special Halloween show for ages 14 and younger on Friday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave., Union City. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative costumes and refreshments will be served. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. For more information call (201) 348-5746.

YOUNG AT HEART SENIORS

The Young at Heart Seniors meet on the second and fourth Friday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Center at West 4th Street. They are hosting a trip on Wednesday to Woodlock Pines in Hawley, PA, $65.50. For more information, contact Mary, (201) 432-5956.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Mayor Brian P. Stack, The Board of Commissioners, and The Union City Police Department urge the citizens of Union City to help prevent crime. Do not hesitate to call the Police Department if you see anyone suspicious hanging around your home or your neighbors. Always lock the doors to your house and car. Never leave any valuables in your car. If you see anything suspicious, call the Union City Police Department (201) 865-1111.

WILLIAM V. MUSTO CULTURAL CENTER SUMMER HOURS

The William V. Musto Cultural Center, 420 15th St., Union City, will be open during the summer on Saturdays noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The Cultural Center is home of the Union City Museum of Art, the Union City Police Museum, the Union City Art Gallery and Concert Hall, the Union City Museum of History, and a Senior Citizen Center. The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

FREE PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES AT GRACE THEATRE

The Grace Theatre Workshop, located at the Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave. in Union City. Registration is every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7 p.m. at the school. Classes in Ballet, Jazz, Flamenco, Salsa, Tap, Singing, and Acting. Kids must be accompanied by a legal guardian to register. No special clothing or equipment needed. Registration fee is $25 per student. Free adult classes also available. For information, call (201) 864-7149 or visit www.GraceTheatre.com

SENIOR TAI CHI IN WEST NEW YORK

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of the month, West New York has Senior Tai Chi. Tuesday and Thursdays, it will be at Hudson Hall, 428 60th St., from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. On Saturdays, it is at Public School No. 5, 5401 Hudson Ave., at 7:30 a.m.

HOMESTEAD SENIOR CITIZENS OF NORTH BERGEN

Jean Klima has exercise sessions every Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by line dancing and bingo. New members are always welcome. Call (201) 863-8772.

YOUNG SENIORS OF NORTH BERGEN

Group meets the second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Community Center, 1441 45th St., in North Bergen. New members always welcome. Call Rudy (201) 863-8772.

WESTERN SLOPE SENIORS OF NORTH BERGEN

Meetings: The first and third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the North Bergen Library, 8411 Bergenline Ave. New members welcome.

UNION CITY SENIORS

The Seniors Music Therapy Program is held at 3700 Palisade Plaza and at the Bella Vista Apartments, 522 22nd St. Call (201) 348-5701 for information.

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

For information on how to join the Photography Club that meets at the Secaucus Public Library, 1379 Paterson Plank Road, call (201) 330-2083.

RHYME TIME

Every Wednesday and Thursday in the Children’s Department of the Secaucus Library, 1379 Paterson Plank Road, bring your child in for story time from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. The child must be 2 years old or older. Registration is required. Parents must bring in the child's birth certificate and immunization records as part of registration process. Only town residents are eligible. Call (201) 330-2085 for more details.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 33

American Legion Post 33 of North Bergen holds its meetings on the third Thursday of the month at 8 p.m. at the Community Center, 1441 45th St., North Bergen. For more information, contact (201) 836-8772.

LIBRARY EVENTS

The Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center is located at 1379 Paterson Plank Road. For more information on any of the events below, call (201) 330-2083. The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Museum Pass Program to four great NYC Museums: The library is offering a free admission pass to The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim Museum, and Brooklyn Museum in New York for Secaucus residents who hold a Secaucus library card in good standing. The pass is good for free admission and discounts at the gift shops. The individual applying for the pass must be a Secaucus resident over 18 years old. At the time that the pass is reserved, the individual reserving it must leave a $50 cash deposit with the library director. A contractual agreement will be required to be signed when the pass is picked up. The $50 deposit is refundable when the pass is returned on time. Those interested should contact the office of the director at (201) 330-2083.

Business counseling: Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE (Senior Counselors of Retired Executives) offers free business counseling and financial guidance in English and Spanish by appointment.

Tumblebooks eBooks: The library has subscribed to Tumblebooks, an eBook database that brings storybooks to life using voice, animation, music and sound effects. The database also contains spoken chapter books for older children.

Story Time: Story Time is from 1 to 2 p.m., every Wednesday or Thursday, designed for the enjoyment of the children and their caregivers.

Lap Tots: Lap Tots is a program for children aged up to 2 years and their caregivers. It is a fun and cheerful interactive program of rhymes and songs for youngsters. The program runs from 10 to 10:30 a.m. every first and third Friday of most months. Registration is required.

Computer Workshops for Seniors

This is a walk-in clinic for residents who need help with basic computer and Internet skills. Whether you want to learn to use a mouse, set up an e-mail address or search the Internet, Secaucus Middle and High School student volunteers from SAIL (Service Activities Involvement and Leadership) will assist you with personal tutoring on the second Thursday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m.

Civics and Citizenship: The Civics and Citizenship Toolkit, which consists of six booklets, one DVD set, two CDs and a flash card set, was prepared by the Department of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. For more information contact the library.

"In English": The library purchased two sets of materials to help those for whom English is not their first language. "In English" ESL Video Series on CD-Rom consists of 12 units and 20 CDs. For more information, contact the library.

BOWLING LEAGUE

Secaucus Senior Men's Bowling League is looking for bowlers. Bowling takes place on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the North Arlington Bowling Lanes. Participants must be 50 or older to play in this three-man league. Non-residents of Secaucus are welcome to join. For information, call Charley Makarski at (201) 863-1377.

ARTS AND CRAFTS CLASSES

Beading, scrapbooking and quilting classes for all levels are offered at local crafts stores or the privacy of your own home. Two-hour classes range between $15 to $50 per person, depending on the craft and project (can include supplies). To register or inquire about a free class, call Delia Camasca at (201) 601-0119 or e-mail her at handcraftsbydelia@yahoo.com.

CAR CAMPAIGN

The Boys and Girls Clubs of New Jersey are running a car campaign to support their programs. The clubs are asking people to donate their unwanted cars. Most cars are being accepted. The cars will be sold at an auction and the proceeds will benefit the local clubs. For information, call (800) 246-0493.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED

The Senior Community Independent Living Services (SCILS) program provides free services to visually impaired and blind seniors to make them more independent, enhance confidence in their abilities and decrease the likelihood of them having to enter a nursing home. If you or someone you know has a visual impairment and wants to maintain his/her independence at home and outdoors, or if you would like to volunteer two hours a week to assist a visually impaired senior, call (201) 795-1317.

COUPON BOOK FUND RAISER

The United Cerebral Palsy of Hudson County, Inc. in North Bergen is raising funds to support programs for the developmentally disabled by selling entertainment books. The price is $30 for Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth counties. The book includes hundreds of discount coupons. For more information, or to order a book, call Peter LaBarbiera at (201) 662-8120 or (551) 265-3512.

SEND US YOUR NEWS: We look forward to expanding our coverage so we can continue to be your best source for local news. We welcome your tips, press releases of upcoming events, meeting schedules and photographs. To be listed in the community section for the following week, submissions must be received by the previous Friday at noon. Information can be sent to LOIS DITOMMASO. Lois can be reached at (201) 217-2400 or through e-mail at lditommaso@jjournal.com. Information can also be mailed to the Secaucus Weekly, 30 Journal Square, Jersey City, N.J. 07306, or faxed to (201) 653-1414.